low temperature fermentation

[Wayne Bush]

I have been planning to pitch Mangrove Jack MO2 yeast into my 475 litres of Jonagold and Boskoop juice (the MO2 tasted best in tests on this juice last year), but the temperature in my cider shed has been stuck at 10 degrees.  MO2 yeast  I pitched in a 60 litre container last week in accordance with manufacturer instructions has not yet begun fermentation.  The MO2 packet says for best results ferment at 18-24 degrees--so I assume the room is simply too cold.   My big tank is not temperature controlled.  Don't laugh, but today I bought a mattress warmer to wrap around the tank hoping to nudge up the temperature of the juice enough for the MO2 to work, but I'm skeptical this will succeed.  Any suggestions for an alternate yeast that would also be suitable for dessert apples and low temperatures?  I've been following the separate thread on 71b which sounds very good (and I know I can get my hands on some), but not sure whether it will work at low temperatures.  Any suggestions? 

[Gary Pittock]

Hi Wayne
I used the exact same MO2 yeast (Mangrove Jack), I pitched the yeast from the packet direct, after adding the pectolase, campden tablets and nutrients as directed, my shed temperature was around 10 degrees at the time, it took eight days before I could detect any action, the shed temperature has dropped and risen between 10 and 0 degrees since but the fermentation has continued throughout, but at crawling pace as you might expect
Perhaps give it a little more time maybe
Gary

[Wayne Bush]

Thanks Gary, that's encouraging. 

[Tony Lovering]

I use electric blankets on mine with an Inkbird temperature controller to switch them on and off

[Wayne Bush]

Tony, sounds like a solution--thanks.  Do you hang the probe inside the tank?  between the edge of the floating lid and the tank wall?  

[Tony Lovering]

I just tape it to the side. Another idea is to use 200w/metre underfloor heating. It heats up a bit quicker

Cheers

[Wayne Bush]

Just an update--I followed the advice from Tony and Gary.  Tied the electric blanket around the tank, plugged it into an inexpensive inkbird temperature controller, and wrapped some insulation around the tank.  Temperature climbed to 18 as requested and stayed there.  Added nutrient and pitched yeast and seems to be fermenting perfectly after two days.  Thanks for your help!!

[Tony Lovering]

Glad to help. I'll be upgrading to 200 watt per meter underfloor heating pads soon..lol

[William Grote]

Hi Wayne

I have used Mangrove a few times, personally I find it too aggressive but YMMV.  

Back your question about yeast

Go to the Scott Labs website and look at the yeats they recommend for low temp wines and ciders,   BA11 will tear through juice at 10C.  DV10 & R2 are also excellent low temp yeasts that preserve fruit aroma and body.  So far my personal favorite is DV10.

One thing I have learned, even if the yeast packet says you can pitch without re-hydration - it is usually better to re-hydrate - why risk it?  Check out this detailed PDF on re-hydration ) 

In any case, as long as the yeast get going, the temp can be lowered well below what the recommended range is (you just might get some stress related SO2 depending on strain)  I have all my ciders fermenting at 45-50F (7-10C)  and would go colder if I could lower the temp outside!

[Wayne Bush]

William, thanks for the tips on Scott Labs and rehydration.  Re the Mangrove yeast, not sure I understand what you mean by aggressive--do you mean the taste of the cider?